Oahu is a place of endless summers. One of itâs most prized marvels is itsâ 112 miles of coastline beaches extending from coast to coast. These beaches have a wide range of activities such as surfing, snorkeling, wind surfing, kite boarding, boogie boarding, stand up paddle surfing, and much more. Water temperatures on the island range from a comfortable 75 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Oahu as an island has a beach for every kind of person, whether you desire killer waves on the North shore or the graceful waves of the Waikiki, there are 137 other beaches to fit the needs of the sunbather to the thrill seeker.
The shorelines can be divided into distinct personalities:
The North Shore is work renown for itsâ world-class surfing and massive swells in the winter months, weâre talking 25 foot waves! …not for the faint of heart.
The South Shore is the Honolulu and Waikiki area and this is well known for being a wonderful host for family beaches. Activities like snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the tide pools is great for a picnic on the beach.
The West Shore (Leeward) has stunning beaches great for fishing and in the winter months, waves reach up to 15 feet.
The East Shore (Windward) is a quite tropical side of Oahu, with Northeast trade-winds this is a great spot for windsurfing and sailing. Bring a sweater because these winds keep the island much cooler than the rest of the island.
Honolulu is extremely well known as home to some of the worldâs best beaches, stretching from Sandy Beaches wave action to Ala Moana Beach Parkâs peaceful stand up paddle boarding and swimming. The best beaches in Honolulu can be found at these ten locations:
Top 10 Beaches In Honolulu:
1. Ala Moana Beach Park
One famous Honolulu beach is Ala Moana Beach is known for itsâ calm tides and gracefully sloped beach. This beach is protected by an artificial reef making it a great place for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and other less intense water activities. Early mornings you will find locals out in the waters swimming long laps before the start of the day. This Honolulu beach park is one of the largest in Hawaii. It is located conveniently across the street from Ala Moana Shopping between Atkinson Drive and Ala Moana Boulevard. The city has set up three access points to the beach one across the sand, second entrance is Beach Mats, and lastly an All-Terrain Wheelchair access.
2. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is hands down one of the most iconic beaches in the world and definitely the most popular out of Honolulu beaches. Here youâll find visitors from all over the world gathering to see clear turquoise waters, breathtaking sunsets and enjoy great surf, restaurants, shops, entertainment and top of the line hotels. Grab a shaved ice and enjoy the marvelous walk down Waikiki Beach. Thereâs never a dull moment in Waikiki with hula shows and movies on the beach during sunset and places like the Waikiki Aquarium and Zoo just steps away.
3. Hanauma Beach
Hanauma Bay is one of the best locations in the Honolulu beach area for anyone of different ages, sizes, and fitness levels. This bay is a great place for children as a starter beach but also offers some of the best and most challenging snorkeling in the area. Hanauma Bay is best known for itsâ spectacular snorkeling and if you do not have your own gear, no fear, thereâs at least one snorkel rental company who provides equipment and lessons. Even if snorkeling isnât for you, taking a swim and getting a chance to see any sea creatures is still well worth the dive. At Hanauma Beach you will see sea turtles, the state fish of Hawaii Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, yellow tangs, trumpet, and angel fish just to name a few. Due to this bayâs relentless beauty, the state has been very dedicated to preserving its natural wildlife. Be sure to read and obey the rules before entering the park in order to sustain its beauty and respect the wildlife.
4. Kahala Beach
Kahala Beach is located in the luxury neighborhood of Kahala. As you make your way to this pristine beach you will pass through, what can be considered the âBeverly Hillsâ of Honolulu. This beach is stunning with itsâ white soft sand and turquoise water, and donât be intimidated this beach is not private even though it may feel that way. Nearby is one of the most luxurious hotels and golf courses, the Kahala Hotel and Resort, be sure to get a glimpse of this lavish hotel and neighborhood.
5. Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is not the place for someone who isnât familiar with the ocean. This beach, although absolutely beautiful, it has a treacherous shorebreak. But if youâre someone with a large sense of adventure and are up for a challenge this may be your ticket to a thrill. Here you will find experienced surfers and body boarders making the best of the intense waves. Even if youâre not looking for an adrenaline fix, this beach is well worth the spectating.
6. Diamond Head Beach
Diamond Head beach and lookout is located just a few minutes outside of Waikiki in a luxury residential area at the foot of Diamond Head crater. Diamond Head beach has one of the most jaw dropping look outs where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind sunset views and the iconic Diamond Head Lighthouse. Here you will find locals paddling out to take their daily surf and a beach that feels more secluded and private in comparison to Waikiki or Ala Moana beaches. There are not many restaurants, shops, or the like located in thus area so be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the privacy and beauty of Diamond Head.
7. Kaimana Beach
Many people enjoy Kaimana Beach because, supposedly, it is less crowded than Waikikiâs main beach but still relatively close to the exciting hussle and bussle. This is a great beach if you want the best of both worlds, conveniently located near entertainment, dining, and shops while feeling a little less crowded than the main tourist destinations if youâre searching for some R&R. This beach is well known and the perfect setting for an afternoon barbeque.
8. Kakaako Waterfront Park
Kakaako Waterfront Park is the perfect place if youâre looking to escape the crowds of main beaches like Waikiki and other downtown areas. Itâs not necessarily the white sandy beach you may be envisioning but with soft green grass, beautiful ocean view, and views of lush green mountains as your backdrop Kakaako waterfront is the place to be. Here youâll find people flying kites, napping in the grass, and taking in the view. Friday nights, you can even catch a glimpse of Waikikiâs firework show.
9. Kuhio Beach
Kuhio beach is set in the heart of Waikiki. This hot spot is a fantastic place for body boarding, surfing, laying out, and enjoying the rolling waves. On weekends youâll find locals and vacationers spending all afternoon barbecuing and enjoying fun in the sun all day long. If youâre lucky, youâll stumble upon a hula show during sunset right off the waterfront, fireworks on Friday nights, and if you see the big statue of Duke be sure to put a lei over his head in homage to Hawaiian tradition.
10. Queenâs Beach
Queenâs Beach is adjacent to Waikiki and Kuhio, this spot is known for itsâ great surf in the summer months, home to volleyball courts in the park, and great for picnics. If you donât feel like making the short walk into Waikiki thereâs a cafe right on the waterfront called the Barefoot Beach Cafe that serves smoothies, breakfast, and other tasty beachside dishes. This beach is located near the Waikiki Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium so once youâve had enough sun or surf be sure to stop into these places for your viewing pleasure.
All in all, this island is the sun has a wide variety of beaches for everyone to enjoy. Honolulu attracts the surfers, the sunbathers, the sailors, the snorkelers, and everything in between, be sure to take the time to visit these unique beaches and youâll find the one thatâs perfect for you.